In this episode of 'Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations' host Richard Delevan navigates through the political and scientific landscape shaping climate tech and what’s at stake in this election summer. He discusses the upcoming UK general election and its implications on energy policy, featuring panelists Ben Kilbey of BOLDVOODOO, Allister Thomas of True North, and we interview Dr. Noah Walker Crawford of the Grantham Institute. Topics include the impact of political changes on...

In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan welcomes Tim McDonnell, the Climate and Energy Editor at Semafor, speaking from Kyiv, Ukraine. Tim shares his experiences and insights on covering a global beat, covering critical issues of climate and energy, amidst the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. 1 Reporting from Kyiv: Tim discusses the challenges and realities of reporting on energy and climate issues from Kyiv, highlighting the severe...

In this insightful episode of Wicked Problems, Richard Delevan interviews David Shukman, a seasoned journalist with a 38-year career at the BBC. They talk climate reporting, the challenges faced by the media in covering climate, and the changes in public perception and policy over. David shares personal anecdotes from his career, reflects on climate techn, and his transition to new roles in climate communication. Key Topics Discussed Career Reflections: David’s early journalism days at...

A little over a week ago, Vermont enacted the first law requiring carbon polluters to pay to clean up the damage caused by climate change, putting the money into a fund for adaptation and resilience measures. We bring back Dana Drugmand of One Earth Now and Loes van Dijk of Climate Court to talk about the implications the law might have globally, its prospects for surviving the attacks on the attribution science underlying it - which we detailed last week, and other climate litigation around...

In this World Oceans Day special edition of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan dives deep into the pervasive issue of ocean plastic pollution. Joined by Will Pearson, founder of Ocean Bottle, they discuss the alarming increase in plastic production, the environmental and health impacts of microplastics, and the innovative solutions that Ocean Bottle is pioneering to tackle this global crisis. Key Topics Covered: * Interview with Will Pearson: * Background on...

In this milestone 50th episode, Richard Delevan interviews Akshat Rathi about his book "Climate Capitalism," discussing the intersections of technology, policy, and systemic change needed to combat climate change. Akshat shares personal stories, insights from his research, and his views on the future of capitalism in addressing environmental issues. This episode combines deep analysis with light-hearted moments, offering listeners both education and entertainment. Key Topics: Theories of...

In our 49th episode, Richard Delevan is back with a stellar lineup featuring our long-awaited interview with solar analyst Jenny Chase from Bloomberg NEF, about the second edition of Solar Power Finance without the Jargon, as well as her views on geese, grids, and scifi. And with European Parliament elections just days away, we speak to two climate tech journalists in Ireland for insights about how events might play out for industries seeking some policy certainty. John Reynolds, a freelance...

In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, Richard Delevan interviews Wil Burns, Co-Director of the Institute for Responsible Carbon Removal at American University. They delve into the critical role of carbon removal technologies, exploring their evolution from fringe concepts to mainstream climate strategy. The discussion covers the science, ethics, and policies essential for implementing these technologies responsibly. Timestamps: 02:46 - Wil Burns discusses his...

In this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan interviews Ernest Scheider, author of 'The War Below' and senior correspondent at Reuters. They explore the challenges and dilemmas related to obtaining critical minerals necessary for the energy transition. Topics include the ethical trade-offs between mining and biodiversity, the role of critical minerals in electronics and electric vehicles, and the geopolitical implications of mineral sourcing. They also examine the approaches of...

In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, we return to one of our favourite topics: carbon dioxide removals (CDR) and its potential role in combating climate change. Our host, Richard Delevan, interviews two distinguished guests: Ben Cooke, Earth Editor at The Times, and Robert Höglund, manager of the MilkyWire Climate Transformation Fund, founder of CDR.fyi and writer of Marginal Carbon. T 1. Ben Cooke, Earth Editor at The Times, discusses his recent trip to Iceland to...

In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan sits down with Layla Sawyer, Secretary General of CurrENT Europe, and Dr. Ryan Williams, Chief Economist at ENODA, to delve into the pressing issues and innovative solutions surrounding our electricity grids. From the challenges of deploying existing technologies to the future potential of superconductors and advanced grid technologies, this episode provides a comprehensive look at how we can build a...

Prashant Rao from Semafor and Freya Pratty from the FT-backed Sifted join Richard Delevan and discuss the latest in climate tech, investment challenges, and the evolving energy landscape. We also share our interview with Laura Fleming, UK country director at Hitachi Energy. Key Topics Discussed: 1. The Valley of Death - Prashant Rao discusses the significant funding gap in climate tech. He highlights that while a $7 billion fund by KKR is substantial, it is a drop in the ocean compared to the...

Joining us from Buenos Aires, Tasmin Lockwood, a seasoned journalist with a rich background reporting at the intersection of people, climate and technology. Tasmin shares her journey from local news in South Wales to international climate tech coverage at Insider, discussing the pivotal moments that shaped her career and her passion for the intersection of technology, society, and climate. The conversation delves into the nuances of climate tech, the importance of adaptation, and the...

In this episode of Wicked Problems: Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan dives into groundbreaking new law in Vermont and its potential to reshape the fight against climate change. Richard is joined by two distinguished guests: Lucy Maxwell, Co-Director of the Climate Litigation Network, and Tobias Engelmeier, Co-Founder of Munich-based climate tech startup VIDA. They explore the intersection of litigation, legislation, and technological innovation in tackling climate change and...

For the first time anywhere, a law will make carbon polluters financially liable for climate damage. Here is part 1, about Vermont's groundbreaking Climate Superfund Bill. With independent climate journalist Dana Drugmand and climate litigation expert Nigel Brook, the discussion explores the implications of this pioneering legislation, its potential impact on fossil fuel companies, and the broader context of climate litigation globally. Dana Drugmand Vermont’s Climate Superfund Bill -...

In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, we delve into the intersecting crises of climate change, internal disintegration, and global security with Dr. Anatol Lieven, Quincy Institute Eurasia programme director. With a stellar career as a journalist, scholar, and author, Dr. Lieven brings a wealth of expertise to discuss the mounting challenges facing democracies worldwide. Key Topics Discussed: * Security Establishments and Climate Change:Dr. Lieven argues that...

 Adaptation and resilience may be the Final Frontier of climate tech. Until recently even talking about it openly was taboo. But can climate adaptation be investible? And if we start talking about it openly - and shifting investment in that direction - does that starve other mitigation pathways of capital? Previous guest Ulrich Seitz, in just a few weeks after we spoke to him in November 2023, put together one of the first dedicated conferences just about climate adaptation investing - Adapt...

In this episode, Richard Delevan is joined by Rupert Read and Liam Kavanagh, who are spearheading the Climate Majority Project. They dive deep into the implications of their initiative, discussing the current state of climate awareness and the strategic moves required to mobilize and empower a climate-conscious majority. Key Topics Covered: * Introduction to the Climate Majority Project: Read and Kavanagh outline the project's goals to deepen and activate a global concern for climate change,...

Welcome back to Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations. This episode was supposed to come out last week. But Man plans and God laughs. Fortunately, and thanks to the amazing skills of voice and production wunderkind Theodore Delevan, we’re able to bring you this slightly-delayed episode.  Our roundtable discussion with veteran journos and analysts: Jonathan Leake, Energy Editor at the Daily Telegraph; and Ryan Chilcote, former energy correspondent for CNN and Bloomberg. We get into Fear...

*INNOVATION ZERO DEADLINE* We’re getting this out before 31 March 2024 to remind you of your last chance to get free tickets to Innovation Zero at the London Olympia next month. Where you also might get a chance to see Matt Winning who will host the Innovation Zero Awards (ticketed separately) on the evening of 30th April. After the 31st, tickets for the 2-day event go for £199 each. TODAY’S BONUS EPISODE Richard Delevan sits down with Dr. Matt Winning, who strikes the balance of being the OG...

Welcome back to Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations for a special Good Friday edition focused on the ever-evolving landscape of climate tech in the UK and Europe, the impacts of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, and insights into the insurance and energy sectors amidst climate change. Host Richard Delevan delves into these topics with insights from industry experts and reporters. Featured Guests: * Ben Cooke, Earth Editor, The Times * Freya Pratty, Climate Tech Reporter, Financial...

James Murray, Editor in Chief of Business Green, talks with Wicked Problems about everything from handling unexpected protestors to Terry Pratchett-inspired Solar Panel Theory of Socioeconomic Unfairness. Join us as James shares insights from the Net Zero Festival, discusses the challenges of transition poverty, and offers a vision for a sustainable and equitable future. The Boots Theory of Socioeconomic Unfairness: Drawing on Terry Pratchett's insightful humor, James discusses economic...

Freya Pratty, FT-backed Sifted.eu’s prolific climate tech reporter, joins Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations. Just in time for her scoop this morning about 2150.vc leading a ‘buzzy’ £22m Series A investment into Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy-backed, UK-based, direct air capture pioneer Mission Zero. Episode Highlights: The Quest for White Hydrogen: Freya opens up about her exploration into white hydrogen, emphasizing its potential impact and the formidable challenges associated...

Ciarán Cuffe, prominent Green Party Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from Dublin, known for his pivotal role in shaping European climate and energy policies, joins the pod. We discuss the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, aimed at cutting the 40% EU emissions from buildings, and the pressing challenges and prospects leading up to the 2024 European Parliament elections. Key Topics Discussed * Climate Breakdown and Optimism: Cuffe opens with a stark observation of climate...